1. Odds are high that the laptop's antenna is much larger, and a good probability that it is better positioned. Of course, I'm not there to see any of this.
2. I use the Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector to detect signal strength and potential wireless interference from other networks.
3. A Range Extender (or "Repeater") does nothing for interference. Use Xirrus to determine if you do have possible interference or signal strength problems and go from there.
If you would like any help interpreting Xirrus please attach a screen shot (of the default Networks page). If you need help with a screen shot see TSG Posting a Screenshot. FWIW to take screen shots with Windows Vista or latter I prefer to use the built-in Snipping Tool.
2. I use the Xirrus Wi-Fi Inspector to detect signal strength and potential wireless interference from other networks.
3. A Range Extender (or "Repeater") does nothing for interference. Use Xirrus to determine if you do have possible interference or signal strength problems and go from there.
If you would like any help interpreting Xirrus please attach a screen shot (of the default Networks page). If you need help with a screen shot see TSG Posting a Screenshot. FWIW to take screen shots with Windows Vista or latter I prefer to use the built-in Snipping Tool.